North Rebel 2013

6 July 2012 | 11:52 am

Here is a first look at the new 2013 North Rebel.

North data about the North Rebel 2013

The Rebel is the universal kite in the line up, used by riders like Sky Solbach and Jérémie Eloy it excels in the waves and as a freeride kite. It is one of the best selling kites we have ever built and is loved by riders all over the world. The Rebel boasts a huge wind range, the widest available from any of the North Kiteboarding line up. Huge hangtime and lift, fantastic upwind performance, fast turning, direct feeling, easy handling, responsive steering when depowered and a short depower stroke giving you total control in harsh conditions. The 2013 Rebel perfectly combines power and handling to create the perfect kite for “hooked” riders looking for their perfect wave and freeride partner. Upwind the Rebel is outstanding, still used by some of our race team on the World Tour for course racing, need we say anymore?

This year the Rebel incorporates a new strut concept, which combines the responsive turning and softer feel of three strut kites with the superior stability of a classic 5-strut design. The front sections of the struts feature an increased diameter towards the leading edge and then taper towards the trailing edge of the kite. This radically reduced diameter leads to more flexibility while the front part of the struts remain super stiff and strong for great stability.

The flexible back section of the strut allows the kite to twist over the entire profile when sheeting in and out. As a direct result, the kite is able to generate better low end and a more responsive turning.

In order to improve top end, we flattened the canopy profile towards the tip and quarter struts of the kite. This also gives less drag, less luffing and less flutter. The Rebel – the benchmark since many years and the ultimate high performance freeride machine!

3 Comments »

Intentional or not, the graphics have a very “America’s Cup” feel to them. Sailing influence? I think you’ll see alot more “conservative” designs from the racing focused companies as the 2016 games approach. I like it.

I know graphics are a subjective thing and very personal and I thought the 2011 Norths were hideous, the 2012 only slightly less ugly (cheesy lettering is awful), but the 2013…I don’t mind the colors so much and could even grow to like them, they’re different but the cheesy verbiage is a deal killer. Who’s in charge of their marketing dept?